Grantee Research Project Results

2004 Progress Report: A Comparison of Health Parameters and Parasites in the Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris From Natural Freshwater, Saltwater, and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

EPA Grant Number: R829584C004
Subproject: this is subproject number 004 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829584
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Louisiana Environmental Research Center (McNeese State)
Center Director: Ford, Mark A.
Title: A Comparison of Health Parameters and Parasites in the Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris From Natural Freshwater, Saltwater, and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Investigators: Ford, Mark A. , Stacy, Gus
Institution: McNeese State University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: February 1, 2002 through January 31, 2007
Project Period Covered by this Report: February 1, 2003 through January 31, 2004
RFA: Targeted Research Center (2004) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research

Objective:

This is one of seven subprojects of the Louisiana Environmental Research Center (LERC). For information on the other subprojects conducted by LERC, see the individual reports for R829548C001 through R829548C007.

The objective of this research project is to examine the overall health of marsh rice rats living in natural and restored saltwater (brackish) marshes, as well as freshwater marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Through the analysis of hematological, immunological, and hepatological measurements, as well as the examination of endoparasites and ectoparasites, we will determine if populations of rice rats living in any of these habitats may be less able to meet physiological challenges than those living in other types of habitats.

Progress Summary:

During Year 1 of this project, we have begun collecting tissues from rice rats from both natural and restored marsh habitats. Rice rat collection will continue through the summer and should be completed by November or December 2005. Collection of data from the tissue samples will be completed by early 2006.

This project is still ongoing, and therefore, we have no definitive results to report. We can report, however, that no evidence has been found of the rodent lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonenesis) in the samples examined thus far. Hematological and immunological data are still being collected and a full report of our results should be available in next year’s annual report.

Future Activities:

Hematological and immunological data are being collected and a full report of our results should be available in next year’s annual report.

Supplemental Keywords:

wetlands, wetland restoration, wetland remediation, marsh, Louisiana, restored marshes, sedimentation rate, vertical soil accretion, root zone influences,, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Water, Restoration, Ecological Risk Assessment, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Ecology and Ecosystems, restoration strategies, water quality, wetland plant restoration, remediation, parasites, coastal environments, wetland restoration, land use, salt water intrusion, ecological recovery

Relevant Websites:

http://www.mcneese.edu/lerc Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R829584 Louisiana Environmental Research Center (McNeese State)

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829584C001 Wetland Restoration and Remediation in Southwest Louisiana Marshes: A Study of Soil Elevation, Vertical Accretion, Shallow Subsidence and Root Zone Influences in Marshes Restored Using a Variety of Techniques
R829584C002 Developing Methods for Identifying Suitable Donors for Wetland Plant Restoration Through Transplantation
R829584C003 Effects of Salinity and Bottom Substrate Composition on the Growth and Proliferation of Widgeongrass (Ruppia maritima)
R829584C004 A Comparison of Health Parameters and Parasites in the Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris From Natural Freshwater, Saltwater, and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
R829584C005 Comparison of Metal Concentrations in Soils, Sediments, and Selected Species From the Area Around Chevron Texaco No. 2 Bayou Tank Battery in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Louisiana and Preliminary Determination of Oxidation State
R829584C006 Use of The Prairie Garden and Plant Material Center To Collect, Propagate, and Maintain Breeder Blocks and Garden Specimens of Louisiana Prairie And Wetland Ecotypes
R829584C007 Density of Marsh Periwinkles and Fire Ant Mounds in Natural and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.